Easy Tiramisu Cupcakes

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My tiramisu cupcakes feature coffee-soaked vanilla cupcakes topped with a decadent mascarpone frosting. These taste just like tiramisu but are way easier to make with my cake mix hack.

These tastes just like tiramisu in cupcake form. They're super easy to make and perfect for parties. No lady fingers, no raw eggs, just an easy dessert anyone can make. They'd also be a lovely birthday treat for a coffee lover. Love coffee? Be sure to try our coffee cookies and coffee cupcakes with coffee buttercream too.

Why This Recipe Works: A Sprinkle of Food Science

1. Semi-Homemade Cupcakes: Cake Mix + Butter + Milk=Bakery style flavor without the effort. You'll never use water and oil with cake mix again.
2. Coffee Soak: This gives this the perfect amount of coffee flavor.
3. Mascarpone Frosting: It is not tiramisu without sweet mascarpone. We add cream cheese to help it pipe and hold its shape.

Ingredient Notes and Shopping Tips

• Cake Mix: Use your favorite brand here. I'm partial to Pilsbury's traditional vanilla.
• Milk: Use milk instead of water for a moist tender cake.
• Butter: Use butter instead of oil for a flavorful and rich cake.
• Mascarpone Cheese: Mascarpone tastes similar to cream cheese, but with a bit more sweetness If you don't have it on hand, you can use more cream cheese instead just be aware the flavor will not be the same.
• Instant Coffee: Use a medium or dark roast for the best flavor. You can also use instant espresso.
• Cocoa Powder: For dusting I like Dutch Process cocoa powder because it has a darker color that contrasts with the white frosting and a rich chocolate flavor.

Krystle's Tips: Steal My Culinary School Secrets

1. Mix Until Just Combined: Overmixing can lead to a touch, dense end result.
2. Don't Overfill: Fill only around ~¾ of the way full so they have room to expand and don't overflow.
3. Dip Don’t Drench. A quick dip is enough, we don't want to make them soggy.
4. Don't Overbake: The top should spring back when slightly touched and a toothpick should come out with just a few moist crumbs. If you see raw batter keep baking a few minutes at a time.

More Cupcakes To Try

Nutella Cupcakes

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcakes

German Chocolate Cupcakes

Homemade Funfetti Cupcakes

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes

Margarita Cupcakes

Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes

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📖 Recipe